Position summary
One .75 FTE position is available. The regular schedule will be Sunday through Wednesday. Schedule may change seasonally; evening and weekend work required.
Appointments are typically made at the beginning of the salary range.
The Volunteer Coordinator works with Zoo staff to coordinate the Zoo's outreach volunteer programs including ZooAmbassadors and the ECO Team. These volunteer programs host over 200 volunteers to support zoo community conservation and education programs both onsite and at offsite locations. This position will be stationed at the Zoo's Education Center, assisting in the day to day operations of the Education Center. This position works two days per week with the Zoo's Education Center Specialist and partners while supporting the volunteer program.
This person will join a team that is fun, passionate about conservation education and enjoys working with people. The zoo has 1.7 million visitors each year who come from diverse communities in the region and beyond.
The ideal candidate for this position is action and detail oriented, possesses strong organizational, volunteer coordination and communication skills, has experience working with underserved or diverse communities, may be multi-lingual, is culturally aware and sensitive, adapts well to a changing work environment, and has a passion for on-the-ground and in-the-field conservation work.
Other duties include working with outside partners, including partners that have been historically under represented, developing outreach programs and events, and leading the work of volunteers. This person will develop and seek feedback on programming to ensure that it is inclusive and welcoming to the diverse audiences that visit the zoo.
At the Oregon Zoo, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We view a diverse workforce as an important part of advancing racial equity agency-wide. To learn more about our value for diversity, equity and inclusion please check out this hyperlink for the Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity.
Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) cover letter describing your experience and interest relating to this position, and 3) answers to supplemental questions.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
Works with other Education division staff to develop goals for the community conservation program.
Works with zoo staff and community partners to identify, develop, coordinate, and evaluate programs and new projects.
Develops strategies to attract and retain volunteers for the volunteer program and to grow volunteer programs that work with and serve diverse groups of people; plans and runs events to inform, recruit, train and recognize volunteers.
Answers inquiries about volunteer opportunities and general zoo information on the phone, by computer or mail encouraging new recruits and informing the public.
Develops various volunteer forms, manuals, applications, orientation materials, agendas and related documents for use in volunteer program identifying and recruiting and training volunteers.
Develops training sessions for volunteers; trains staff on volunteer coordination techniques through formal/informal workshops and provides on-going coaching and support.
Maintains and updates volunteer database used to recruit, train, recognize and report volunteer hours and projects. Provides summary reports to management.
Collaborates with the Education Center Coordinator in delivering conservation education presentations to zoo guests in the Education Center and ensures that volunteer programming is welcoming and inclusive of diverse communities
Performs related duties as requested.
This position is represented by AFSCME 3580 and is classified as an Volunteer Coordinator I (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Minimum Requirements
Two years of professional experience in volunteer coordination; and
An Associate's degree in a related field; or
Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.
Must have a valid driver's license and a driving records check is required.
Demonstrated experience working toward racial equity, diversity, and an inclusive culture within an organization is preferred.
Knowledge of
principles of volunteer coordination and best practices in adult and family volunteer programs
general teaching and interpretation methods for informal settings
education principles that can be applied broadly to diverse audiences (ie. different ages, races, abilities and cultural backgrounds)
diversity, equity and inclusion practices in volunteerism, outreach and conservation.
Skill in
developing, organizing and coordinating a volunteer program, including program objectives and procedures.
recruiting, training and overseeing the work of volunteers, interns and community groups
communicating in interpersonal communication (written/verbal) and presentation skills.
Ability to
engage and work with underserved and diverse communities
lead programs, demonstrating initiative, creativity, organization, motivation and follow through.
lead volunteer activities in multiple settings including outside
record keeping and the use of computers and software related to project and database management.
fulfill Metro's values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability with representatives of various community groups, partners, Zoo and Metro staff.
Additional Information
Working conditions: Duties may be performed outdoors, exposing incumbent to inclement weather.
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources (503) 797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the wellbeing of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer